Heerfordt syndrome

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Synopsis

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Heerfordt syndrome (uveoparotid fever, Heerfordt-Waldenström syndrome) is a rare presentation of sarcoidosis comprising parotid gland swelling, uveitis, fever, and in a minority of cases, facial palsy. May present with a combination of some or all of these symptoms.

The precise cause has not been identified. A minority of patients have a close family member with the syndrome. There is some evidence to show Heerfordt syndrome may result from a combination of environmental factors and possibly a hereditary component, but the evidence is insufficient.

Prognosis is dependent on managing the patient's underlying systemic symptoms. The disease course is variable as spontaneous remission may occur in over half of patients, while other patients may require more continuous management. In severe cases, patients may require surgical procedures to treat ocular complications.